Senegalese journalist Tamsir Jupiter Ndiaye was ordered on July 31 to return to prison to serve a six-month sentence for homosexual acts. The conviction stemmed from an incident in June that involved a group of youths, including Kéba Nar Sy, a young man whose age was variously cited as anywhere from 13 to 25. This … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Senegal
Human rights defenders urge respect for LGBTI Africans
Human rights advocates from more than a dozen African countries have issued a call for respect for the human rights of LGBTI people in Africa, a move that builds on a resolution made last year by the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights. The gathering included representatives from Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, … Continue reading
Forbidden love: Exploring true, complex lives of LGBTI Africans
By Mike Nicholson In recent years, news of homophobic laws in Africa has resonated across the Global North. While many individuals are at least superficially aware of the plight of LGBTI men and women in countries such as Uganda and Nigeria, the media’s focus on politicians and laws means that the lives of LGBTI individuals … Continue reading
99 who are in prison for being gay, 148 more awaiting trial
Worldwide, at least 99 people are currently in prison for allegedly violating laws that punish those who are born gay, lesbian or bisexual. In addition, at least 148 other people are awaiting trial on charges related to homosexuality. Those are the latest tallies in this blog’s updated list of victims of 76-plus countries’ repression of … Continue reading
32 anti-gay African leaders, 32 smiling Obama photos
The issue of African countries imprisoning LGBTI people for their sexual orientation wasn’t on the agenda at this week’s United States/Africa summit in Washington, D.C. Instead, President Obama spoke about security, trade and economic development. Then, on Aug. 5, he and First Lady Michelle Obama posed for friendly photos with 32 leaders of countries with … Continue reading
U.S. vs. ‘Dictators’ Club’ of anti-gay African strongmen
While African leaders meet this week at a trade summit in Washington, D.C., it’s important to recognize that some of Africa’s most repressive (and mostly anti-LGBTI) leaders are gaining strength from each other by providing mutual support, writes Alyssa Rickard, program associate for Africa Programs at democracy watchdog group Freedom House. She argues that the … Continue reading
World health agency: Fight AIDS by repealing anti-gay laws
In an understated report, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this month that nations should work to stop the spread of AIDS by removing obstacles to HIV prevention efforts that are caused by laws against homosexual activity, transgender status, sex work and drug use. Those laws limit health care access for groups that are most … Continue reading
After mob attack, Senegal blocks gay-themed art show
The government in Senegal has shut down an art show focusing on homosexuality in Africa. The action came after a group of religious fundamentalists stormed the Dakar art center that housed the exhibit, breaking windows and exterior lights. The mob threatened to attack again, but the government acted to close the exhibit before more violence … Continue reading
102 who are in prison for being gay, 75 more awaiting trial
A look at 169 people who fell victim to anti-gay laws Worldwide, at least 94 people are currently in prison for allegedly violating laws that punish those who are born gay, lesbian or bisexual. In addition, at least 75 other people are awaiting trial on charges related to homosexuality. Those are the tallies in … Continue reading
Senegal art show to feature LGBT Africans
The Art Newspaper reports: An exhibition about homosexuality in Africa is due to go ahead in Senegal next month, despite a leading academic advising the gallery against it. “The show will cause controversy, but we will not censor ourselves,” says the independent curator Ato Malinda, although she declined to reveal the name of the academic. … Continue reading